Isa 45:1-4 | MHM | STEP | Prophecies Concerning Cyrus. This section introduces Cyrus, the king who would conquer Babylon and set God’s people free. Even though historians do not always agree on his background, all agree that he became a powerful ruler. He conquered many kingdoms and eventually captured Babylon, which was famous for its strong defenses. This prophecy is remarkable because it was given about 210 years before these events happened. God shows in advance what he will do to accomplish his plans for his people. v. 1–2 : God calls Cyrus his anointed , meaning Cyrus was chosen for a special purpose. God promises to hold Cyrus’s hand, guide him, and help him succeed. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2). God will remove obstacles, defeat nations, and open city gates for Cyrus. This is how God made Cyrus a great conqueror, ready to do God’s will—even though Cyrus did not know God personally (2 Kings 13:16 ).

‏ Isaiah 45:1-4

Prophecies Concerning Cyrus.

This section introduces Cyrus, the king who would conquer Babylon and set God’s people free. Even though historians do not always agree on his background, all agree that he became a powerful ruler. He conquered many kingdoms and eventually captured Babylon, which was famous for its strong defenses. This prophecy is remarkable because it was given about 210 years before these events happened. God shows in advance what he will do to accomplish his plans for his people.

v. 1–2: God calls Cyrus his anointed, meaning Cyrus was chosen for a special purpose. God promises to hold Cyrus’s hand, guide him, and help him succeed. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2). God will remove obstacles, defeat nations, and open city gates for Cyrus. This is how God made Cyrus a great conqueror, ready to do God’s will—even though Cyrus did not know God personally (2 Kings 13:16 ^a).

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v. 3: God says, I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places (Isaiah 45:3). When Cyrus took Babylon, he gained great wealth that had been hidden away for years. God gave him these riches to prepare him for freeing the Israelites. Cyrus himself later recognized that God had blessed him and gave credit to the God of Israel (Ezra 1:2 ^b).

v. 4: God did all this for the sake of his people. For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name (Isaiah 45:4). God chose Cyrus and made him great so that he would set Israel free. It was not because of Cyrus’s own merit or goodness, but for God’s own purposes and his love for his people.